In conjunction with the Dominican Independence and Heritage Award Committee of Rhode Island, Rep. Grace Diaz (D-Dist. 11, Providence) and former state Sen. Juan Pichardo will host the Dominican Republic Independence Anniversary and Heritage Celebration on Saturday, Feb. 23, at 6 p.m. at the Providence Marriott Hotel at 1 Orms St.

President of the Senate Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) and Rep. William W. O’Brien (D-Dist. 54, North Providence) have introduced legislation (2019-S 0225 / 2019-H 5023) that would expand Family Court jurisdiction to enter protective orders to provide for the safety and welfare of household pets in domestic abuse situations.

A regional housing nonprofit released a report this week that found rampant discrimination against Rhode Island housing voucher recipients, and urged the adoption of legislation sponsored by Sen. Harold M. Metts and Rep. Anastasia P. Williams to prevent it.

Sen. Ana B. Quezada has introduced legislation to add a 1-percent tax on the sale of hookah and vaping products to raise money for municipalities to educate people about the dangers associated with those products.

The Rhode Island Senate today approved legislation introduced by Senate President Dominick J. Ruggerio (D-Dist. 4, North Providence, Providence) that would allow mobile sports wagering through the Twin River casinos in Lincoln and Tiverton.

Rep. Katherine S. Kazarian (D-Dist. 63, East Providence) has introduced legislation (2019-H 5238) that would authorize the governor to designate a justice of the peace in each city or town to solemnize marriages. Currently, legislation must be passed by the full General Assembly in order for an ordinary citizen to preside over a marriage ceremony.

The House Committee on Oversight met Thursday to review hundreds of complaints lodged against a new vendor that provides transportation to Medicaid beneficiaries, the elderly and handicapped. At the conclusion of the hearing, the panel gave all parties involved three weeks to correct all problems by the time the Oversight Committee meets again on Thursday, Feb. 28.

Rep. Dennis M. Canario (D-Dist. 71, Portsmouth, Little Compton, Tiverton) has introduced legislation (2019-H 5293) that would impose a $300 substance abuse education assessment for any conviction of driving under the influence or refusal to submit to a breathalyzer.

Calling the Panhandling problem “a growing public safety hazard, especially in light of the last December tragic stabbing of a native Rhode Islander in Baltimore by a panhandler, and a growing burden on businesses,” Representative Lima today called for a statewide solution to the problem of panhandling.”

Rep. Julie A. Casimiro (D-Dist. 31, North Kingstown, Exeter) has reintroduced legislation (2019-H 5313) that would require utility and cable companies to provide bill credits to customers after service is interrupted for 168 hours within a 30 day period.

Sen. Gayle L. Goldin today introduced a package of elections and campaign finance bills aimed at improving voter access, requiring disclosure of presidential candidates’ tax returns and making it easier for ordinary people to run for office.